England set to eliminate hepatitis C
Summary
England is close to eliminating hepatitis C, a virus that harms the liver. The country has treated over 80% of known cases and reduced deaths by 36% in the last ten years. Free testing and antiviral medicines help people find and cure the disease.Key Facts
- Hepatitis C attacks the liver and spreads through infected blood, such as by sharing needles.
- More than 100,000 people in England have been diagnosed and treated since 2015.
- Antiviral pills taken for 8 to 12 weeks cure more than 95% of hepatitis C cases.
- England aims to reduce deaths from hepatitis C by 65% by 2030, and has already cut deaths by 36%.
- About 50,200 adults in England are living with hepatitis C in 2024, with around 85% diagnosed.
- The NHS offers free home testing kits, especially encouraging people born in some Eastern European countries to test.
- Screening blood donations helps prevent the virus from spreading via transfusions.
- NHS England and health experts say England is leading global efforts to eliminate hepatitis C.
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